By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The wait is finally over and the local fans of Shillong Lajong FC are all set to catch their team in action in what could be termed as the first real home match of this I-League season to be played against Churchill Brothers at the JN Stadium here on Wednesday.
The Round 15 match would be a must-win tie for both the sides with Lajong looking to maintain its unbeaten homestreak and Churchill chasing their championship dreams.
The last time Lajong played Churchill, the Goan giants thrashed the Reds 6-0 and adding to it, the hosts would also miss the services of Johny Menyongar and Lalramluaha, who were given yellow cards in the last match against Air India.
However, Lajong have the home advantage and would be backed by thousands of vocal supporters who have been eagerly awaiting this I-League encounter.
“The boys are upbeat over playing in front of the home crowd and the cheer of the fans can make things difficult for the opposition,” said Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy.
Reddy reiterated that any team is beatable at this level and if the team plays to its potential ‘there is no reason why we can’t beat Churchill’.
“It is also crucial for us to pick up points at home to avoid pressure towards the end of the season,” he added.
Lajong have an unbeaten streak at home conceding only one goal in as many as six matches played in Imphal and Guwahati but the Reds have to be at their best to take the record forward on Wednesday.
Talking about Churchill, Reddy said, “They have performed well this season and are among the top clubs of the country.”
“However coming out of a defeat against Mohun Bagan and with East Bengal beating Pailan, Churchill would be under pressure to perform here to keep their championship dreams alive, ” he added.
Commenting on the possible playing XI for the match Reddy said that Henry Gangte, Eugene Lyngdoh and Zenith Mashangva are most likely to play in centre-mid on in absence of Johny and Lalramluaha.
Meanwhile, Churchill coach Manuel Gomes expects a good contest on Wednesday.
“Lajong are a good side and we respect them. However we are here to win and would look to put up our bestshow tomorrow,” Gomes said.
The rival coach was also all praise for the newly laid artificial turf and said that the ground condition was ideal for a decent game of football.
Gomes, however, took the attack to the opposition when he said that the pressure would be on Lajong to perform in front of the ’emotional’ home crowd who follow the game religiously.
“Everybody likes playing at home, but a home match could at times be tougher than an away game,” he added.
In a lighter vein the head coach at the Goan club said,”My best wishes would be with Lajong but not for tomorrow’s match.” Gomes said he was looking forward to playing in front of capacity crowd on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Churchill’s Gabonese striker Henri Autchouet, who scored a hat trick against Lajong in the last encounter, is confident of a good show here. “I can’t promise a hat trick tomorrow but whatever comes my way I will try to do justice with it and make my team proud,” Henry told The Shillong Times.